Dairy Unit Manager - Manawatu, NZ

No8HR; Waikato; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

3-bedroom home and office

Modern farming technology

Leadership support

Career progression

Job summary

No8HR is seeking an experienced Dairy Unit Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of a 1,500-cow unit in the Rangitikei region. This hands-on leadership role focuses on animal welfare, productivity, safety, and continuous improvement within a modern farming system.

You will manage a team of 5-6 staff, oversee pasture and feed budgeting, and utilise farm software and reporting systems to drive decisions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a dairy farm management role milking 1,000+ cows
• Experience managing 3-4+ staff daily
• Strong pasture management and feed budgeting
• Confident with farm software, reporting systems, rosters, and Excel
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Hands-on, practical approach with initiative
• Ambition to develop within the dairy industry

Responsibilities

• Drive unit performance through leadership, planning and execution
• Lead and develop a team of 5-6 staff
• Manage pasture and feed effectively
• Utilize technology and reporting systems to support decisions
• Maintain high operational standards on farm
• Balance people leadership with daily farm demands

Skills

Staff leadership

Pasture management

Feed budgeting

Farm software

Excel

Communication

Hands-on

Problem solving

Career development

Dairy farm management

Tools

Farm software

Reporting systems

Roster systems

Excel

Job description

1,500 cows I 80 BR I Manawatu, NZ

Modern Systems. Strong Support. Career Growth

Are you an experienced dairy leader looking for your next challenge on a high-performing, large-scale operation?

An exciting opportunity is available for a capable Dairy Unit Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of a 1,500-cow dairy unit in the Rangitikei region. Starting January 2027 (with the potential to commence earlier for the right person), this role offers the chance to join a progressive dairy business with strong systems, modern infrastructure, and genuine long-term career opportunities.

Operating a modern 80-bale rotary dairy with Halter technology, you'll work closely with an Operations Manager while taking responsibility for the daily management of the farm and team. With another large-scale dairy unit nearby, there is excellent scope for future growth and progression within the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

As Dairy Unit Manager, you will be responsible for driving the performance of the dairy unit through strong leadership, planning, and execution. You'll lead and develop a team of 5-6 staff, creating a positive culture focused on animal welfare, productivity, safety, and continuous improvement. Success in this role will come from your ability to manage pasture and feed effectively, utilise technology and reporting systems to support decision-making, and maintain high operational standards across the farm. This is a hands-on position that requires practical problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to balance people leadership with the day-to-day demands of a large-scale dairy operation.

What You'll Bring

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a management role on a dairy farm milking 1,000+ cows
• Proven experience managing and leading 3-4+ staff on a day-to-day basis
• Strong pasture management and feed budgeting skills
• Confidence using farm software, reporting systems, rosters, and Excel
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• A practical, hands-on approach with strong initiative
• Ambition, career goals, and a genuine desire to continue developing within the dairy industry

What's on Offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Modern 3-bedroom home plus office
• Progressive farming systems and technology
• Strong leadership support and clear performance frameworks
• A business that values development, accountability, and progression

If you're ready to take the next step in your dairy career and lead a large-scale, professionally managed operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested?